[인터풋볼] Reporter Daesik Kim = Gareth Bale has been the best signing in Tottenham’s history since the start of the Premier League (EPL) era.
England’s ‘Football London’ announced on the 27th (Korea time) the top 10 best players among the numerous players signed by Tottenham since the start of the EPL in 1992. Along with Heung-Min Son, Thiddie Sheringham, Jurgen Klinsmann, David Ginola, Christine Eriksen, Luka Modric, and Gareth Bale were on the list.
Among them, Bale was voted the best signing in history. Bale, who was signed from Southampton before the 2007-08 season, recorded a fairly high transfer fee of regarding 15 million euros (regarding 20.6 billion won) at the time.
However, Bale did not perform well at left full-back following the transfer. His defense was so poor compared to the talent he had. Bale began to be used as a left winger from the 2009-10 season, but his potential gradually exploded. From the 2010-11 season Bale began to be recognized as one of the best wingers in the Premier League. He began his ascent to stardom in the European Champions League with a game that completely humiliated the then-best full-back, Maicon.
Bale has since been given a more aggressive role. Bale, who did not cover the center and left, became Tottenham’s ace with explosive power reminiscent of Cristiano Ronaldo. Bale, who won the EPL Player of the Year award in the 2012-13 season, was recognized as the EPL’s best star. Bale then left for Real Madrid, recording the highest transfer fee in the club’s history of 100 million euros (regarding 137.7 billion won).
Recalling Bale’s performance, ‘Football London’ said: “Not only was Bale one of the most talented players to wear the Spurs shirt, he had a huge impact while wearing it. He has, above all, been one of the best transfers in terms of money.”
“Veil combined strength, speed and skill to run together. He might see him becoming world class right before his eyes. He was the man who might win the match. Bale was named EPL Team of the Year only three times. He was also the number two player of the year. While he was at Tottenham, he was also nominated twice for the UEFA Team of the Year.”
Bale became a superstar at Real and then returned to Tottenham on loan for a season. Even then, Bale proved why he was once one of the best players in the world.
